BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK– A QUICK WILDLIFE SAFARI GUIDE

INTRODUCTION

The Bandhavgarh National Park, spread over the Vindhya Hills, stands as a living testament to India’s rich wildlife heritage. It boasts a robust tiger population, having one of the highest tiger densities in the world! Additionally, it is home to more than 150 species of birds! In recent years, in a triumphant comeback, around 50 wild elephants reclaimed this terrain after decades of absence!

This ancient forest, consisting of towering Sal trees, dense mixed forests and open grasslands, has witnessed the ebb and flow of time like no other. Steeped in mythology and history, you will discover its iconic fort, marvellous intricate sculptures and enigmatic rock cut caves preserving the secrets of bygone eras.

Bandhavgarh was the rule of various dynasties across different epochs. The Maharajas of Rewa also used the expanse as a private hunting ground. But today, the forest belongs to its wild inhabitants. It is renowned worldwide as one of the top wildlife destinations to spot Royal Bengal Tigers and is one of the most frequently visited National Parks of India!

1. WHERE EXACTLY IS BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK AND HOW DO WE GET THERE?

Bandhavgarh comes under the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. It offers a slightly more remote yet accessible retreat compared to parks like Tadoba or Pench. Well-connected by air, rail, and road, the nearest airport is located in Jabalpur, about a 4-hour drive away.

The nearest stations are Katni and Umaria, although Jabalpur or Satna might offer better arrival timings and it could be more convenient to alight there.

The chart below will help you plan your travel!

City / National Park	Distance	Drive Time
From Kanha National Park (Khatia Gate)	230 kms	5 hrs 30 mins
From Panna National Park (Madla Gate)	205 kms	5 hrs
From Satpura National Park (Madhai Gate)	460 kms	9 hrs
Jabalpur	190 kms	4 hrs
Katni	95 kms	2 hrs
Khajuraho	228 kms	5 hrs 30 mins
Mandla	182 kms	4 hrs
Rewa	160 kms	3 hrs 30 mins
Satna	140 kms	3 hrs 30 mins
Umaria	32 kms	45 mins

2. WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK?

The answer to this question depends on what you aim to get out of the trip. If you specifically want to see tigers, the best time would be the summer months, i.e. March to June, as they come to waterholes to cool themselves.

If you are an avid birder, mid-November to early February would be the best time to visit Bandhavgarh. There will be plenty of sighting opportunities, favourable weather conditions, and a chance to witness some of the migratory species.

If you enjoy wildlife photography, visiting Bandhavgarh in October, when the forest opens right after the monsoon, would be great. The lush deep greens would help in making more evocative frames.

If you prefer staying away from the crowd, you could plan a visit to Bandhavgarh during the monsoons, i.e. July-September. As it is the off-season, naturally fewer vehicles enter the park.

Overall, in our opinion, the best time to visit the Bandhavgarh National Park would be between October and April.

3. WHAT ARE THE BEST GATES IN BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK?

Bandhavgarh comprises three core zones: Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli. Tala holds a special place among visitors, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes featuring majestic Sal trees, rocky terrain, and vast grasslands. It is also home to the iconic Bandhavgarh Fort and the revered Shesh Shaiya statue of Lord Vishnu, making it a must-visit zone for wildlife enthusiasts.

Magadhi stands out as another prominent zone, boasting a blend of expansive grasslands and dense forests. In recent times, it has gained recognition as the top zone for tiger sightings. With numerous waterholes dotting its landscape, Magadhi provides ample opportunities to observe a diverse array of wildlife, including both animals and birds, thriving in their natural environment.

Khitauli zone presents a distinctive landscape characterised by dry-deciduous forests and a good amount of bamboo cover. Notably, in recent years, a herd of elephants has taken residence here, solidifying this zone as their habitat. The dense vegetation provides ample sustenance, not only for these gentle giants but also for various other herbivore species, including the Blue Bull, Chinkara, and Four Horned Antelope.

While often overshadowed by the core zones for various reasons, the buffer zones of Bandhavgarh are less explored and remain consistently underrated. Despite the presence of a few villages scattered throughout these buffer ecosystems, they offer plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.

Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, the tiger population has grown steadily here. As a result, young adults seeking their own territory now find refuge in these buffer forests. Bandhavgarh’s buffer zones are named Johila, Dhamokhar, and Panpatha. They are extensions from the core zones and play a crucial role in sheltering several magnificent creatures.

4. FAMOUS TIGERS OF BANDHAVGARH

Over the years, Bandhavgarh has been home to numerous legendary tigers and tigresses. While naming them all would be a tall order, we will spotlight just a few in this section for brevity’s sake.

Firstly, we have to pay tribute to Charger. He was a dominant male in the 1990s and featured on the cover of National Geographic. Thus, Bandhavgarh was established on the world map as a tiger reserve. Charger earned his name thanks to his habit of charging at jeeps (but he did no harm to tourists). He quickly became one of the most photographed tigers in the world.

Beside Charger, another notable figure was Sita, a female known for her grace and poise. Renowned as a successful mother, she raised numerous cubs to adulthood, playing a crucial role in repopulating the park and contributing to the resurgence of her charismatic kind.

In recent times, travellers have been captivated by the likes of Bamera, a striking male tiger, and the famous tigress siblings – Dotty and Spotty, both of whom have successfully raised their own cubs!

The final episode of the BBC series ‘Dynasties’ was shot at Bandhavgarh, narrating the saga of the Raj Bhera female and her courageous struggle to protect herself and her cubs against formidable challenges. Additionally, another BBC series titled ‘The Hunt’ showcased Solo, a magnificent tigress.

It is worth noting that certain tigers and tigresses at Bandhavgarh are named after the areas or territories they inhabit. However, to keep this section concise, here are some popular names you might come across during your visit: Mohini, Banbehi, Mahaman, Sukhi Pattiya, Kankatti, Chakradhara, Kajri, Chota Bheem, and Blue Eyes. These big cats have thrilled tourists and their legacies carry on even today!

5. WHAT ANIMALS CAN WE SIGHT ON A WILDLIFE SAFARI TO BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK?

While everyone hopes for a glimpse of the majestic big cats, the Bandhavgarh National Park is also home to other mammals, such as Dholes, Sloth Bears, Gaurs, Golden Jackals and Wolves. One should consider themselves lucky to sight any of these animals!

Additionally, Bandhavgarh is the only reserve in the Central Indian Landscape to host a notable population of wild elephants. Spotting these gentle giants is truly a rewarding experience! Some of the more ubiquitous animals are Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Langurs, Rhesus Macaques and Wild Boars.

Considered an excellent destination not only for tigers, but for birdwatching as well, Bandhavgarh provides refuge to over 250 bird species! Commonly sighted are birds such as the Indian rollers, rose-ringed parakeets, red jungle fowl, Indian peafowl and several others.

Most notably, Bandhavgarh is home to four resident species of vultures out of the nine found in India. These include the Oriental White-backed Vulture, Indian Vulture (Long-billed Vulture), Red-headed Vulture, and the Egyptian Vulture. Sadly, all four are at risk of global extinction, with the first three classified as Critically Endangered and the fourth as Endangered according to the IUCN list. However, the presence of nesting colonies of vultures in the park’s hillocks and cliffs offers hope for their conservation.

If you are interested to know more about the biodiversity of Bandhavgarh, follow us on Instagram.  

CONCLUSION

One of the best places on Earth to witness and photograph wild tigers, the Bandhavgarh National Park is a hot favourite of several nature enthusiasts. Despite being a bit more challenging to reach compared to other national parks, its irresistible charm continues to draw countless visitors each season.

With knowledgeable naturalists and welcoming resorts, Bandhavgarh ensures every traveller experiences an unforgettable wildlife adventure. If a tiger sighting has been eluding you, give Bandhavgarh a chance and let it amaze you!